This is the epic moment two giraffes fought for dominance by beating each other with their huge necks in front of tourists.

Steven Mecinski and Britt van Meegen, owners of Wild-Life Tours, were hosting a safari in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, South Africa, when they spotted the males squaring up to each other.

Male giraffes use their necks as a weapon in dominance battles to win the right to mate with females and it is extremely rare to spot them fighting in the wild.

Steven Mecinski and Britt van Meegen were hosting a safari in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, South Africa, when they spotted the males squaring up to each other

The safari company co-owners came across the unusual sighting while leading a safari tour

Mr van Meegen said: 'As we encountered the giraffes, Steve noticed that the male giraffes were pushing against each other, a sign of sizing each other up and measuring each other's necks for dominance.

'When he saw this he quickly grabbed the camera since, with his years of experience, he could tell that we could possibly witness a unique sighting.

'Just as the camera was turned on the giraffes started hitting each other with their necks - in real life you can hear the impact hits up to 100 metres away.

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'On this particular occasion we believe the two males were fighting over a female that was in close proximity.'

Giraffes can weigh up to 3000 lbs and their necks can top 500 lbs. While fighting they aim their necks at each other's bodies, necks and legs.

They live in loose herds, known as a tower or a journey, and will often come together and meet around waterholes.

Giraffes can weigh up to 3000 lbs and their necks can top 500 lbs. While fighting they aim their necks at each other's bodies, necks and legs

Male giraffes use their necks as their primary weapon in dominance battles to win the right to mate with females

The usually gentle giants defend themselves with their powerful kicks and have been known to successfully defeat hunting lions.

Mr van Meegen added: 'Often giraffes necking ends with one of the males being knocked off balance and even knocked unconscious, possibly even death.

'These two bulls fought until one had dominated and possibly caused injuries to the other causing him to retreat into submission.

'These are normally physical signs shown such as tilting of ears, lowering of the neck, retreating or running away.

The usually gentle giants defend themselves with their powerful kicks and have been known to successfully defeat hunting lions

Dust flew up around the animals as they fought each other in front of safari park tourists

Eventually one of the males managed to scare off the other and won the epic fight

'It is fairly common and necessary for male giraffes of all ages to neck each other while juveniles determine their strength and practice for the future when they will need to dominate a bull in necking for mating rights.

'To witness a full on dominance necking like this was a special occasion and only the second time in six years for Steve - even though he visits the park multiple times a week.'